1. Saawariya 2007

Saawariya is the story of a young free-spirited man named Ranbir Raj (Ranbir Kapoor). Ranbir arrives in a surreal-looking town looking to continue his career as an artist. One night, his eyes notice a mysterious girl standing alone on a bridge holding an umbrella. When he tries to strike up a conversation with these women, she shies away. The two go on to become friends. This mystery girl’s name was Sakina (Sonam Kapoor), a woman who always carries a certain pain and sadness in her eyes which also intrigues Ranbir.

Ranbir is mesmerized by her beauty and wishes to express his feelings to her. But, just when he’s about to do that she tells him that she is waiting for her love Imaan (Salman Khan). A year ago, Imaan told Sakina that he would be back at the bridge where Ranbir first saw her. Saawariya might not have worked wonders at the box office, but proved that Ranbir and Sonam had what it took to make it big in Bollywood. Also, the film reminded us about the fact that there simply is no match to Sanjay Leela Bhansali when it comes to visuals.

2. Bachna Ae Haseeno 2008

Cassanova, a player, and heartbreaker. These are some words that would be used to describe Raj Sharma (Ranbir Kapoor). Raj treated women like a conquest, he would give it his all to make her believe that he is the man they were looking for but always failed to maintain the relationship. However, later in life he too becomes a victim of heartbreak. This incident completely changes his perception of women. He then takes it upon himself to gain redemption and earn forgiveness from the women who he didn’t value. Bachna Ae Haseeno was a typical masala flick where the lead goes full circle in terms of character. The film went on to have a decent run at the box office and became Ranbir’s first box office success.

3. Wake Up Sid 2009

Ranbir Kapoor’s movie was just two films old but with Wake Up Sid he truly showed that he belonged on the big screen. On paper, the film offers nothing new. We have time and again seen characters who simply don’t value the things they have and how they take people for granted. But, there comes one incident in life that changes their outlook towards everything. For Sidharth Malhotra aka Sid (Ranbir Kapoor), it was his failure in college. However, it was debut director Ayan Mukerji’s execution and Ranbir Kapoor’s sheer brilliance in front of the camera that made this film so special. Wake Up Sid had a great run at the box office and Ranbir Kapoor showed he’s here to stay.

4. Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani was a film on the lines of Rajkumar Santoshi’s cult classic Andaz Apna Apna in the sense that it is meant to be a silly but sweet romantic comedy. The lead pair Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif received a lot of love from the audience and their pairing was one of the biggest factors for the film’s success. Songs like Tera Hone Laga Hoon, Tu Jaane Na from the film went on to become chartbusters.

5. Rocket Singh: Salesman of the year

While Ranbir had already tasted success at the box office multiple times, many people would argue that until then he only opted for ‘safe’ projects. Movies that are almost guaranteed to appeal to the masses and ensure that it does well at the ticket windows. But, those naysayers were proven wrong when Ranbir came out with Rocket Singh. Harpreet Singh Bedi aka Rocket Singh (Ranbir Kapoor) was a fresh graduate with big dreams and aspirations. He secures a job in an IT company hoping to kickstart his career in the right way. But, the wickedness of his seniors transformed him into a clever and strategic businessman.

He then goes on to start his very own business venture with the help of the company’s resources. While critics raved about the film, Rocket Singh failed to score big at the box office. Till this date, Ranbir Kapoor says that he doesn’t understand why the film failed to appeal the crowd as he doesn’t find any flaw in the movie.

6. Raajneeti 2010

Prakash Jha Raajneeti was based on the concept of the epic tale of Mahabharata with a backdrop of Indian politics. Subtlety has never been a strong suit for Prakash Jha and with Raajneeti we see nothing different. Bloody violence, cars going up in flames & people killing each other left, right & center, Raajneeti has it all. But the director does a great job in keeping you gripped with the story as you seldom notice a loose moment. Along with Ranbir Kapoor, Raajneeti featured talented actors like Ajay Devgn, Naseeruddin Shah, Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Katrina Kaif and Arjun Rampal in leading roles.

7. Anjaana Anjaani

Anjaana Anjaani was a story that revolved around two individuals Akash (Ranbir Kapoor) and Kiara (Priyanka Chopra). Akash and Kiara have been betrayed in life and feel ending it is the only option left in their hands. This is also how the two meet each other. But, life has more in store for them as they both fail in their suicide attempt. This is when they decide to do create a bucket list and do everything they ever wanted before they bid farewell to life. While the plot was definitely interesting, the film failed to fulfill expectations at the box office.

8. Rockstar 2011

They say that every great artist has experienced heartbreak at some time in life. In fact, that pain is known to be the biggest motivator for an artist to express his true self. Rockstar is based on this theory of pain. Janardhan (Ranbir Kapoor) sets out on a journey in search of pain. In the process, he meets Heer (Nargis Fakhri) and the two grow close. However, he does not realise how much he loves her until she’s gone. This brings up a spark in him. Janardhan turns into Jordan, a superstar in the music industry. Little does he know that the pain along with music brings along a lot of suffering. While Jordan got everything he wants, he goes deeper and deeper in the pain of missing out on the love of his life. Ranbir Kapoor was perfect in every frame of the film. Just to see him work his magic on screen, Rockstar Ranbir is worth a watch.

9. Barfi! 2012

Another movie and another Ranbir Kapoor masterclass. Barfi was hands down his biggest risk for him as an actor till date since he had to express throughout the movie and yet couldn’t even say a word. Barfi is like a chapter in life you recall. It’s filled with numerable moments of love, laughter and emotions. Every character in the film is played to perfection along with excellent music and screenplay. Ranbir Kapoor does such a good job playing Barfi that not for a moment you feel he’s required to speak to express his feelings. With this film, he truly set a new benchmark for himself.

10. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 2013

Like all romantic comedies, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani too sparkles with romance, merriment and heartache. It is a bright and glossy film topped off with the lead actors’ brilliant chemistry. With the film, Ayan also proved that he’s capable of pleasing the masses as well as the critics. Ranbir Kapoor eases into his role of Bunny which was fun loving and flirty. Deepika is her charming self as the sweet, innocent yet breathtakingly gorgeous Naina. Although the romance is typical and scenes are predictable the film sure makes for a very fun watch nonetheless.

11. Besharam

Besharam was a film that featured Ranbir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, and Neetu Kapoor for the first time together. The film revolves around Babli (Ranbir Kapoor), a street smart car mechanic living in a Delhi orphanage. Since he was a kid, Babli does not know the difference between right and wrong. He does what works best for him. However, after meeting Tara (Pallavi Sharda), he realizes that he must work to make something of his life. The film was severely harmed by weak writing which was the biggest reason for its failure.

12. Bombay Velvet 2015

Bombay Velvet was a film based on the book Mumbai Fables by Gyan Prakash. It’s set in the era just after India got its independence and revolves around the Mumbai mafia scene at the time. Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor) comes to Bombay with his mother and wants to become a “Big Shot” and he can go to any length to achieve his dreams. Where the film goes wrong is that it tries to be Scarface, Godfather and Goodfellas all together. Anurag Kashyap has delivered some outstanding work in the past but with Bombay Velvet he falls short as the film just doesn’t form a connect with the viewer. The film also starred Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar in leading roles.

13. Tamasha

Tamasha is a visual treat with a pure soul attached to it. Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s on-screen reunion was a big reason why people were excited for this film and boy did it live up to those expectations. Tamasha takes you in a world of its own through Ved (Ranbir Kapoor) and Tara’s (Deepika Padukone) eyes. The film is stunning visually and top-notch performances from Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone make it a must-watch. Tamasha went on to have a decent run at the box office.

14. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 2016

When someone who truly means the world to you chooses someone else, it hurts. And no matter how much we try to lie to ourselves hoping that we’ll get over that pain, it just doesn’t happen.This story hits home in that regard. It is a story of infatuation and teaches us that somethings things are just not meant to be. Karan Johar does an exceptional job of exploring his leads Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor), Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) and Saba (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) in this tale of unrequited love.

People were already excited to watch the three superstars share the screen and the actors played their roles to perfection. Ranbir’s chemistry with both Aishwarya and Anushka felt natural in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. He learns various traits from the two women in his life which pretty evidently impacts his character. Ranbir and Anushka were seen together once again in Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju.

15. Jagga Jasoos 2017

Jagga Jasoos is many things. Some are good and some bad. But one thing it isn’t that is a ‘typical Bollywood film’. The film is basically a comic book brought to life with melodious music and beautifully crafted scenes. Jagga Jasoos actually has a pretty engaging first half which will surely peak your interest. However, it’s the second half where the film looses some steam. To cut things short, Jagga Jasoos is a film about a boy who turns detective as he sets out on a search for his father like figure.

Unlike Barfi, Ranbir does speak in this movie but like Barfi, his expressions are more than enough. Katrina oozes grace with the portrayal of her character as well. All said and done Jagga Jasoos was something that you’ve never seen before, in Bollywood at least. The film is a pure Disney adventure movie in every sense. Jagga Jasoos might test your patience at times but it sure is marvellous visually.

16. Sanju 2018

Off late, we’ve seen biopics on politicians, freedom fighters, and athletes but Sanju was the first one on an actor. The life of Sanjay Dutt has seen many ups and downs but while everyone saw those incidents this film narrated them from Sanjay’s point of view. Ranbir Kapoor played the titular role and through his eyes, we saw all the events that went into making Sanjay Dutt the man he is today.

People were skeptical whether Ranbir would be able to pull off the role of Sanjay Dutt 10 mins into the movie and you’ll even forget that it is Ranbir on screen. Physically his transformation is absolutely spot on but it is the mannerisms of ‘Sanju baba’ that the actor recreates so well making his performance so convincing. Paresh Rawal and Vicky Kaushal too are extremely impressive in their respective roles. The film, like every Rajkumar Hirani film, is a complete package of entertainment and will have you smiling as the credits begin to roll.